Top digital nomad cities for long-term rentals in Southeast Asia

If you get hurt while hiking in Indonesia or surfing in Portugal, you might have to pay for your treatment out-of-pocket with a standard travel insurance policy.  Hiking, surfing, or riding a scooter, which are very common in nomad hubs, are often categorised as high-risk activities. Standard policies will deny medical evacuation or hospital bills if an accident occurs while participating in these activities.  Also, most standard travel insurance policies do not cover remote work abroad or stays longer than 90 days.

It is apparent that digital nomads cannot rely on standard travel insurance policies, as they need either a long-term travel insurance plan or an international health insurance policy with comprehensive cover. The right choice depends on how long you travel, whether you need medical cover only or broader protection, and which countries you visit.

So, you cannot just book a one-way flight, pack a bag, and tell yourself you would sort out insurance later. Standard travel insurance was built for two-week vacations, not for a life lived across several countries a year. This guide explains which types of insurance actually fit the digital nomad lifestyle, what to check before you buy, and how to compare the main providers.

What type of insurance does a digital nomad actually need?

Three types of digital nomad insurance exist, each serving a meaningfully different purpose.

Long-term travel insurance

These policies extend the duration limitations of standard travel insurance, typically covering trips of up to 12 months. They cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and travel delays, but usually do not cover routine medical care, dental, or preventive health. They are designed for people in long-term travel mode rather than settled abroad in one location. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance and World Nomads Explorer both fall into this category.

Best for: nomads who move frequently across multiple countries and want combined medical and travel cover in one policy. Less suited for those settling in one country for a year, where the travel disruption cover becomes less relevant, and the lack of routine care cover becomes more noticeable.

International health insurance

These policies provide comprehensive medical cover designed for people living abroad long-term. They include routine doctor visits, specialist referrals, preventive care, mental health support, and, in many cases, dental and maternity care. The medical limits are higher than those of travel insurance, and they function like a home-country health plan, just applicable globally. Genki Native and Cigna Global both fall into this category.

Best for: nomads staying in one or a few countries for an extended period who want comprehensive medical coverage rather than emergency-only protection. The monthly premiums are higher than travel insurance, but the cover is closer to what residents expect from health insurance.

Nomad-specific plans

A newer category of products specifically designed for digital nomads, combining elements of travel insurance and international health insurance at accessible price points. SafetyWing, Genki, and Heymondo all build their products around the nomad use case. These plans accept applications from anywhere in the world, allow purchase after you have already left home, and are structured as rolling subscriptions rather than fixed-term policies.

Best for: most digital nomads, particularly those who want flexibility to start, pause, or change plans without the commitment of an annual policy.

Also read: Getting health insurance and saving in foreign currencies

What your digital nomad insurance should cover

Before comparing providers, confirm a prospective policy covers these categories:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation: Should include doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency surgery, and diagnostics. Verify the per-incident and annual maximum. A medical limit below $100,000 is low for serious conditions in expensive healthcare markets.
• Medical evacuation: Covers transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation home if local care is inadequate. Verify the evacuation limit is at least $100,000. Remote or adventure destinations make this particularly important.
• Trip cancellation and interruption. Reimburses non-refundable costs if you need to cut a trip short due to covered reasons. Less relevant for perpetual nomads than for those doing defined trips.
• Baggage and personal belongings. Covers loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal effects. The important detail here is the per-item limit. Many policies cover total luggage loss up to $2,000 to $3,000 but cap individual items at $500 to $1,000. A laptop worth $1,500 may only be covered up to $500. Read the per-item limit before assuming your equipment is covered.
• Electronics cover. Some nomad-specific plans offer dedicated electronics cover for laptops, cameras, and tablets. This is distinct from the general baggage limit and typically offers higher per-item limits. Verify whether it requires separate purchase.
• Personal liability. Covers legal costs and compensation if you are held liable for accidental damage to property or injury to a third party.
• Adventure sports. If your version of nomad life includes skiing, surfing, scuba diving, or similar activities, confirm these are covered. Many standard plans exclude adventure sports. World Nomads is specifically built for adventure-active travellers.

Pay close attention to the per-item equipment limit. A policy might say it covers $3,000 in baggage. But it may only pay $500 for a stolen laptop because that is the per-item maximum

How to buy travel insurance as a digital nomad

• Decide which category fits your situation: long-term travel insurance, international health insurance, or a nomad-specific plan, based on how long you are travelling and whether you need routine care covered, not just emergencies.
• Check which countries the plan actually covers: Some policies exclude or limit coverage in the US, and some are not accepted for specific visa applications, which matters if you plan to apply for a long-stay visa in a country that requires proof of insurance.
• Verify the medical evacuation limit is at least $100,000: Lower limits exist but leave you exposed if you need evacuation from a remote location.
• Check the equipment cover per-item limit, not just the total cap: A policy advertising $5,000 in equipment cover is not useful if it pays out a maximum of $500 per item and your laptop is worth more than that.
• Check the policy date rules: Confirm if you can buy coverage after you have already left home. Several nomad-specific insurers allow this, which matters if you are reading this while already abroad without cover.
• Pay with a card that does not add foreign transaction fees: Paying a monthly insurance premium in a foreign currency every month adds up if your card charges a percentage on every international transaction; a virtual card built for spending abroad avoids that cost entirely.

Also read: How to find lasting travel insurance for long-term remote work

Best digital nomad insurance plans in 2026

These are not ranked, since the right plan depends on your travel pattern and risk tolerance more than on a single best option. Pricing below is based on published rates from each provider and independent reviews, but insurance pricing varies by age, region, and plan tier, so treat these as a starting point and confirm the exact quote for your situation before buying.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing is a subscription-style option that bills every four weeks rather than monthly and is generally positioned as the most affordable entry point to nomad-specific cover. It is travel medical insurance rather than full international health insurance, meaning it covers emergencies well but offers limited routine or preventive care. It suits a nomad who wants a low-cost, flexible safety net and is comfortable paying out of pocket for routine healthcare.

World Nomads

This is built around adventure travel, with policies covering a wide range of activities, such as skiing, diving, and trekking, that many other insurers exclude or charge extra for. Pricing varies significantly by destination, age, and trip length rather than following a flat subscription model, and it tends to cost more than SafetyWing or Genki for equivalent medical limits. It suits a nomad whose travel regularly includes higher-risk activities, less a nomad who mainly wants baseline medical cover.

Genki

Genki is a holistic international health insurance rather than travel medical insurance. Their policy covers routine outpatient visits and preventive care that travel-style policies typically exclude. It is accepted as proof of insurance for several long-stay visa applications in Europe, which travel-style nomad insurance generally is not. It suits a nomad settling in one region for an extended period, particularly where visa requirements call for proper health insurance rather than travel insurance.

Cigna Global

This travel insurance is closer to traditional international health insurance, aimed at expats and remote workers who want comprehensive, customisable coverage rather than a lightweight nomad-specific plan. It tends to involve a more thorough underwriting process and higher cost than the nomad-specific options above, and suits someone prioritising comprehensive long-term coverage over flexibility and low monthly cost.

Each of these four options has its perks and suitability. Here is how to decide between these options.

• If you are bouncing between countries indefinitely with no fixed plan, a nomad-specific plan like SafetyWing or Genki tends to fit better.
• If you are settling in one place for visa purposes, international health insurance is more likely to be accepted as proof of coverage.
• If your travel involves real adventure activities, World Nomads' activity coverage is built for that better than others.

Paying for insurance and other expenses abroad

Whichever plan you choose, you will likely be billed monthly or every few weeks in USD or EUR, which means your card provider's foreign transaction fee policy matters more than it might at first appear. A 2 to 3% fee on every recurring insurance payment adds up over a year of travel, on top of whatever that same card charges you for everyday spending abroad.

A Grey virtual debit card avoids this by letting you hold and spend directly in the currency the charge is billed in, rather than converting through your home card on every transaction. The same logic applies beyond insurance: accommodation booked in EUR, a coworking membership billed in GBP, or a subscription tool billed in USD all pose similar problems when paying with a card tied to a different home currency.

If you frequently receive or spend in more than one currency, it is worth setting up a multi-currency account before you need it rather than after a string of conversion fees on your statement.

Frequently asked questions

Can digital nomads get travel insurance?

Yes, but standard travel insurance is usually the wrong product. Most digital nomads instead choose either a long-term travel insurance plan, an international health insurance policy, or a nomad-specific plan from a provider like SafetyWing, World Nomads, or Genki, all of which are built to accommodate travel longer than the 30 to 90 day cap on typical holiday insurance.

Does travel insurance cover you if you work remotely?

It depends on the policy. Standard travel insurance often excludes any activity resembling work, since it assumes the traveller is on holiday. Nomad-specific insurance plans are explicitly designed for people working while travelling and do not carry this exclusion, which is one of the main reasons they exist as a separate category from standard travel insurance.

What is the best insurance for digital nomads?

There is no single best option; the right plan depends on how you travel. Someone moving between countries indefinitely with no fixed plan is often better served by a nomad-specific plan like SafetyWing or Genki. Someone settling in one country for a long-stay visa often needs international health insurance instead, since some visa applications require proof of health insurance specifically rather than travel insurance. Someone whose trips involve adventure sports may find World Nomads' activity coverage worth the higher price.

How much does digital nomad insurance cost?

Costs vary widely by provider, age, and plan type. Nomad-specific travel medical plans tend to be the most affordable monthly option, while international health insurance plans cost more but cover routine and preventive care that travel medical plans exclude. Age is typically the biggest factor within any single provider's pricing, with costs rising noticeably in older age brackets. Always check a live quote for your specific age and travel plans rather than relying on an advertised starting price, since headline rates usually apply to the youngest age bracket only.

Does SafetyWing cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Like most travel medical insurance, SafetyWing's plans are designed to cover new, unexpected health issues that arise after the policy starts, not conditions you already had. This keeps premiums lower but means anyone with an ongoing health condition should check the specific terms carefully, or consider an international health insurance plan instead, where pre-existing condition coverage is sometimes available depending on disclosure and underwriting.

Can I buy travel insurance after I have already left home?

With several nomad-specific providers, yes. Unlike many traditional travel insurance policies that require purchase before departure, providers built for nomads often allow you to sign up while already abroad. Coverage typically does not begin immediately in these cases; expect a short waiting period, sometimes 24 to 72 hours, before the policy becomes active, so this is not a same-day fix if you need cover urgently.

Ready to manage your travels without foreign transaction fees eating into your budget? Open a Grey account and pay for your insurance, accommodation, and daily expenses abroad without foreign transaction fees.

Georgia has become one of the easiest countries in the world for digital nomads to live and work remotely. Even though Portugal, Thailand, and Bali are more popular, Georgia offers low living costs, reliable internet, a simple immigration process, and less rowdiness. Tbilisi, the capital, has developed into a major remote work hub with coworking spaces, international cafes, growing startup activity, and a large expat and freelancer community.

Georgia allows most nationalities to stay for up to 365 days without a visa, making it one of the easiest countries in the world for remote workers. The "Remotely from Georgia" (Remoteli) programme, launched in 2020, was created to formalise this for digital nomads, but it has largely been superseded by Georgia's standard visa-free regime and is now considered nearly obsolete. For most remote workers, the visa-free stay alone is sufficient.

This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Georgia as a digital nomad, including visa rules, taxes, cost of living, internet quality, banking, healthcare, best cities to live in, and how to manage international payments while working remotely from Georgia.

Can you work remotely in Georgia without a visa?

For the vast majority of digital nomads, yes. Georgia offers one of the most generous visa-free entry policies in the world. Citizens of more than 90 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, EU member states, Canada, Australia, and several African nations, can enter Georgia and stay for up to 365 days without applying for a visa in advance.

While Georgia does not currently offer a standalone "digital nomad visa" as Portugal or Spain do, its standard visa-free entry effectively serves the same purpose for most nationalities. This visa-free stay allows digital nomads to live in Georgia for up to 12 months, work remotely for foreign employers or clients, travel freely within the country, and access local services. It, however, doesn’t permit you to work for a Georgian employer or earn a local income from within Georgia.

Georgia recently passed amendments in June 2025 introducing mandatory work permits for foreign nationals starting 1 March 2026. This law targets foreign nationals working in Georgia or for Georgian business registrations. Remote workers earning income entirely from abroad, without entering into Georgian employment or local business registration, are generally expected to fall outside this requirement, though the distinction is still being clarified as implementation proceeds. If your situation involves any local Georgian income or employment, verify the current requirements before relying solely on the visa-free stay.

For a wider comparison of options, see our full list of 50 countries offering digital nomad visas.

What is the Georgia Remoteli programme?

The "Remotely from Georgia" programme, often referred to as Remoteli, was launched by the Georgian government in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel and tourism were heavily disrupted. At the time, it served as a structured pathway for remote workers to enter and reside in Georgia legally while standard tourism was restricted.

The honest, current picture is that the programme has been largely phased out in practice. The return of Georgia's standard one-year visa-free entry for most nationalities has made the programme unnecessary for most remote workers. The official government information about the programme has not been consistently updated, and some online application portals associated with it have been reported as unreliable or non-functional. Georgia's official e-visa website no longer prominently lists the programme as an active offering.

In practice, this means most digital nomads researching "Georgia digital nomad visa" do not need to apply for anything at all if their passport qualifies for the standard visa-free stay. Travelling to Georgia, finding accommodation, and beginning remote work is sufficient for most nationalities for up to 365 days.

The formal route still matters for nationalities not on Georgia's visa-free list, or for remote workers and freelancers who specifically want a more structured immigration document for purposes such as a longer pathway to residency, tax registration, or nationalities requiring more than the standard tourist entry. For these cases, the relevant formal route is the D2 Immigration Visa for freelance and entrepreneurial activity, which is separate from the original COVID-era Remoteli programme and remains an active, processed visa category.

D2 Immigration Visa: requirements for those who need a formal visa

For remote workers who are not eligible for Georgia's visa-free entry, or who want formal documented status from the outset, the D2 Immigration Visa (Freelancer and Entrepreneurial Activity) is the relevant Georgian visa category. Confirm current requirements directly with the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Georgian consulate in your country before applying, as terms are subject to change.

• Income or savings: A minimum monthly income equivalent to roughly five times the current national subsistence minimum, which is approximately GEL 1,250 (around $480), or sufficient savings to cover your expenses for the duration of stay
• Remote work status: Proof of remote employment, freelance contracts, or entrepreneurial activity for clients or a business based outside Georgia
• Valid passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date
• Health insurance: A policy covering the duration of the stay in Georgia
• Clean criminal record: A background check from the applicant's home country
• Accommodation proof: A rental agreement or hotel reservation confirming where the applicant will stay
• Travel itinerary: Flight booking details confirming entry to Georgia

Acceptable documentation for the income or savings requirement typically includes three to six months of bank statements, employment contracts, freelance agreements, or tax returns. Any documents not already in Georgian or English should be officially translated.

Also read: How to receive USD payments on Etsy as a seller in Georgia

How to apply for the D2 visa: step-by-step

1. Confirm whether you actually need a visa: Check your nationality against Georgia's current visa-free list before applying for anything. Most nomads from major Western countries, as well as many African and Asian countries, do not need to apply for a visa at all.
2. Gather your documents: You need your passport, proof of remote income or savings, health insurance certificate, criminal background check, proof of accommodation, and travel itinerary.
3. Apply through the online visa portal or the relevant Georgian consulate: Applications for the D2 visa are submitted online through the official Georgian government visa portal or, in some cases, through a consulate, depending on your location and circumstances.
4. Pay the consular fee: The standard consular fee for a long-term immigration visa is approximately $20, though this can vary slightly by consulate.
5. Wait for processing: Processing typically takes 10 to 30 business days, depending on application volume, documentation completeness, and submission method. Apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
6. Travel to Georgia and register: Once approved, travel to Georgia within the visa's validity window. If you intend to stay long-term, registering your residential address and exploring residency or tax registration options is the practical next step.

Costs, duration, tax and why Georgia is worth considering

• Costs: The D2 visa carries a standard consular fee of approximately $20. There is no fee for the standard visa-free stay available to most nationalities.
• Duration: Both the visa-free stay and the D2 visa permit a stay of up to one year. The permit is generally cancelled if the holder is absent from Georgia for 183 or more days within a 12-month period.
• Tax position: Holding a Georgian visa, whether visa-free entry or the D2 visa, does not automatically make you a Georgian tax resident. Most digital nomads remain taxed only in their home country unless they meet Georgia's tax residency criteria, which is primarily based on staying in Georgia for 183 or more days within a 12-month period.
• Cost of living in Tbilisi: Georgia's affordability is one of its strongest draws. A comfortable monthly budget in Tbilisi, covering a one-bedroom apartment in a central neighbourhood, food from local markets and restaurants, coworking membership, and local transport, typically runs $800 to $1,200. Many nomads report living comfortably for closer to $1,000 to $1,500 per month, including occasional travel within the country.
• Banking: Georgia offers exceptionally accessible banking for foreigners, with English-speaking staff at major banks, modern digital banking platforms, and relatively straightforward account opening. Most digital nomads report being able to open a local account in a single visit that takes 30 to 60 minutes, though requirements vary by bank.

Managing your international income while based in Georgia is more straightforward with a multi-currency account that holds your earnings in their original currency before converting to lari. Open a multi-currency account before you move, and your clients can pay you in USD, GBP, or EUR as a domestic transfer in their own country, with no correspondent bank deductions on the way to you.

Open a Grey account before you move to Georgia. Hold USD, GBP and EUR in one place and spend locally from day one. Pair it with a Grey virtual debit card for everyday spending in Tbilisi and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to work remotely in Georgia?

For citizens of more than 90 countries, including the US, UK, EU member states, Canada, and Australia, no. Georgia's standard visa-free entry allows a stay of up to 365 days, during which remote work for foreign employers or clients is permitted. If your nationality is not on the visa-free list, the D2 Immigration Visa (Freelancer and Entrepreneurial Activity) is the relevant formal route. Always verify your specific nationality's status against Georgia's current official visa-free list before travelling.

What is the Remoteli programme?

Remoteli, officially "Remotely from Georgia," was a programme launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to give remote workers a formal pathway to enter and reside in Georgia while standard tourism was disrupted. The programme has largely been phased out and is considered close to obsolete, as Georgia's standard one-year visa-free entry for most nationalities now serves the same practical purpose without requiring a separate application. The current formal visa route for those who need one is the D2 Immigration Visa.

How much does it cost to live in Tbilisi as a digital nomad?

A comfortable monthly budget in Tbilisi runs $800 to $1,200, covering a one-bedroom apartment in a central area, food, coworking membership, and local transport. This is significantly below most European capitals and even below many other popular nomad destinations in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Do I pay tax in Georgia on foreign income?

In most cases, no, provided you do not trigger Georgian tax residency, which generally requires staying 183 or more days within a 12-month period. Holding a visa or staying visa-free does not automatically make you a tax resident. For those who do register as tax residents and set up as an Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business Status, Georgia offers a flat 1% tax rate on turnover up to approximately $165,000 annually. This is a complex area; consult a tax adviser familiar with Georgian and your home country's tax rules before making decisions.

Can I open a Georgian bank account as a remote worker?

Yes. Foreigners in Georgia can easily open local bank accounts, with English-speaking staff and digital-first processes at major banks. Most nomads report being able to open an account in a single 30- to 60-minute visit, though specific document requirements vary by bank. Some banks also offer remote account opening via a power-of-attorney service for an additional fee.

Can I bring my family to Georgia on a visa-free stay or the D2 visa?

Family members travelling with the primary applicant generally need to meet the same visa-free or visa requirements as the primary applicant, based on their own nationality. For the D2 visa specifically, confirm with the Georgian consulate whether dependants can be included on the same application or require separate applications, as requirements can vary.

Bali has been one of the world's most popular destinations for remote workers for years. The combination of affordable living, established coworking infrastructure, warm climate, and English-friendly environment has made it a default destination for nomads. The visa situation, however, has always been more complicated than the destination's reputation suggests.

Bali does not have its own visa system. Indonesia launched a Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) in 2023, but uptake has been limited. Most remote workers in Bali use a tourist visa or Social Visa, neither of which officially permits remote work. The E33G visa is the only route that explicitly allows working remotely for foreign employers.

This article covers the four realistic visa options for working remotely in Bali, states clearly what each one permits and does not permit, and explains the only route that provides explicit legal authorisation for remote work. The goal is to give you accurate information so you can make an informed decision rather than a comfortable one.

For a broader comparison of destinations a full list of 50 countries offering digital nomad visas.

Does Bali have a digital nomad visa?

Bali is a province of Indonesia, not an independent country. Indonesia's national visa system applies to Bali, Lombok, Java, and every other island. There is no Bali-specific visa.

Indonesia introduced the E33G Remote Worker Visa, its formal digital nomad visa, in 2024. The E33G is a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), a temporary stay permit, classified under the E33G visa category for remote workers employed by companies outside Indonesia.

The E33G is the only visa in Indonesia's system that explicitly authorises remote work for a foreign employer while residing in Indonesia. All other commonly used visas, including the tourist Visa on Arrival, the Social or Cultural Visa (B211A), and standard business visas, do not explicitly authorise remote work.

In practice, large numbers of foreigners have worked remotely in Bali on tourist visas and Social Visas for years. This was widely tolerated. The enforcement landscape changed significantly in 2025 and 2026. Bali immigration formed a dedicated enforcement task force, and deportations increased substantially, with immigration officers monitoring social media, coworking-space activity, and LinkedIn profiles as evidence for enforcement. The "open secret" that tourist visas were fine for remote work is no longer accurate to describe current conditions.

Your four visa options for working remotely in Bali

Tourist Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Available to citizens of most countries on arrival at major Indonesian airports and seaports. Valid for 30 days, extendable once for a further 30 days at an immigration office. No advance application required.

The VoA does not permit remote work for a foreign employer. It is a leisure and short-stay visa. Many remote workers use it anyway. Enforcement risk has increased in 2026, with immigration specifically targeting foreigners working on tourist visas.

Social/Cultural Visa (B211A)

Requires an Indonesian sponsor, a cultural institution, language school, or individual, to provide a letter of sponsorship. The B211A allows stays of up to 60 days, extendable multiple times to a maximum of 180 days total. It does not explicitly permit remote work.

B211A enforcement increased in 2025 and 2026, with deportations specifically citing remote workers on social visas. The B211A remains popular among nomads on longer Bali stays, but it carries a higher enforcement risk than before.

KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)

The general KITAS is a residency permit for people with legitimate reasons to live in Indonesia long-term, including employment with an Indonesian company, marriage to an Indonesian citizen, or investment. An employment KITAS requires an Indonesian employer and work permit, which is not relevant for remote workers employed abroad.

The E33G is technically classified as a KITAS variant, specifically the E33G Remote Worker KITAS. This is the relevant version for digital nomads.

E33G Remote Worker Visa

The only visa in Indonesia's system that explicitly authorises remote work for a foreign employer while residing in Indonesia. Introduced in 2024, it is valid for 12 months, allows multiple entries, and does not require an Indonesian sponsor.

Indonesia E33G digital nomad visa: requirements

Confirm the current requirements from Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration at imigrasi.go.id before applying, as they are subject to change.

• Employment type: You must be employed by a company registered outside Indonesia. The E33G is designed for remote employees, not freelancers. Freelancers with clients outside Indonesia sit in a grey area; consult a licensed Indonesian immigration agent before applying if your income is freelance-based.
• Minimum annual income: $60,000 per year, or the equivalent in foreign currency, from a foreign employer or clients
• Bank account balance: Minimum $2,000 USD in a bank account for three consecutive months prior to application
• Passport validity: At least 18 months of remaining validity and three blank pages.
• Employment contract: A valid employment contract with a non-Indonesian company confirming a remote work arrangement.
• Health insurance: Valid health insurance covering Indonesia
• Criminal record: Clean background check
• Restricted nationalities: Citizens of certain countries are not eligible; verify the current exclusion list on the official Indonesian immigration website

The E33G does not permit any income-generating work for Indonesian companies or clients. Even consulting for a local business, accepting payment from an Indonesian entity, or providing services to someone who pays you from Indonesia violates the visa terms.

How to apply for the E33G visa: step by step

1. Confirm eligibility. Verify your income meets the $60,000 annual threshold, your employer is registered outside Indonesia, and your nationality is not on the restricted list. If you are self-employed or freelance, consult an immigration agent before proceeding.
2. Gather your documents. Passport (all pages), employment contract confirming remote work with a non-Indonesian company, three to six months of bank statements demonstrating consistent income above the threshold, health insurance certificate covering Indonesia, and a criminal background check from your home country.
3. Choose your application route. Applications can be submitted at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country. Some applicants use licensed Indonesian immigration agents who handle the KITAS processing on arrival. The official fee at the consulate is IDR 7,000,000, approximately $430 USD. Total costs, including KITAS card processing and agent fees, typically run from $600 to $1,000.
4. Submit the application and pay the fee. Fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome as of May 2025 enforcement changes.
5. Wait for processing. Processing typically takes 7 to 14 working days. Your application may be approved or may require additional documents.
6. Enter Indonesia and activate the permit. Enter through an approved port of entry. The E33G sticker is placed in your passport. Complete KITAS card processing at the immigration office in your area of residence in Indonesia, typically within 14 days of arrival. Note: you must enter Indonesia within 90 days of the visa issuance date, or the visa will become void.

See the must-haves for digital nomads before your move.

Costs, practical realities and managing money in Bali

• Visa cost: IDR 7,000,000 (~$430 USD) official fee, plus an additional $200 to $600 for agent and KITAS card processing. Total first-year cost: $600 to $1,000 depending on how you apply.
• Cost of living in Bali: Monthly costs vary significantly by lifestyle and area. A realistic mid-range budget covers $400 to $700 for a one-bedroom villa, $200 to $400 for food (a mix of local warungs and occasional restaurants), $100 to $200 for a coworking membership, and $50 to $100 for transport. A comfortable monthly budget runs $1,000 to $2,000, considerably less than most Western cities.
• Tax position: Staying in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a calendar year triggers Indonesian tax residency under domestic law, which makes worldwide income potentially taxable in Indonesia. Foreign-sourced income remitted to Indonesia may also be subject to tax depending on the bilateral tax treaty between Indonesia and your home country. Many E33G holders plan their annual stay to remain below 183 days in a given calendar year to reduce this exposure. The interaction between home country tax obligations and Indonesian tax residency is complex. Consult a cross-border tax adviser before making long-term plans.
• Internet: Bali's internet infrastructure is adequate for most remote work in major nomad hubs including Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur. Coworking spaces reliably offer 50 to 100 Mbps. Residential connections are more variable. Most nomads use a combination of home internet and coworking access.
• Managing USD earnings while spending in IDR: Most digital nomads in Bali earn in USD, GBP, or EUR and spend in Indonesian rupiah. Converting at Bali's money changers produces reasonable rates, but doing large conversions repeatedly adds up. Grey provides multi-currency accounts where you can hold USD or EUR income and use a Grey virtual debit card for daily expenses, avoiding the 2% to 3% foreign transaction fee that standard debit cards add to every IDR charge.

Open a Grey account before you head to Bali. Hold USD, GBP and EUR in one place and spend in IDR locally.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work remotely in Bali on a tourist visa?

Legally, no. The Tourist Visa on Arrival does not authorise remote work for a foreign employer. Enforcement of this rule increased significantly in 2025 and 2026, with Bali immigration conducting active operations in popular nomad areas, including Canggu and Seminyak, and using social media monitoring and LinkedIn activity as evidence of enforcement. The risk of working on a tourist visa in Bali is meaningfully higher in 2026 than it was in the past.

What is the Indonesia E33G digital nomad visa?

The E33G Remote Worker Visa is a temporary stay permit (KITAS) launched by Indonesia in 2024. It is the only visa in Indonesia's system that explicitly authorises remote work for a foreign employer while residing in Indonesia. It is valid for 12 months, allows multiple entries, and requires a minimum annual income of $60,000 from non-Indonesian sources. It does not permit work for Indonesian companies or clients.

How much does it cost to live in Bali as a digital nomad?

A comfortable mid-range monthly budget runs $1,000 to $2,000 depending on accommodation choice, lifestyle, and how much you eat out at tourist-priced restaurants versus local warungs. Accommodation is the largest variable: a basic room in a guesthouse costs $300 to $500 per month, while a private villa with pool access in Canggu or Seminyak costs $700 to $2,000 depending on size and season.

Do I pay tax in Indonesia if I work remotely in Bali?

Staying in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a calendar year triggers Indonesian tax residency, which makes worldwide income potentially subject to Indonesian tax. Foreign-sourced income that is not remitted to Indonesia is generally not taxed under most circumstances, but the rules depend on the specific bilateral tax treaty between Indonesia and your home country. Consult a qualified tax professional before planning an extended stay.

How long can I stay in Bali as a digital nomad?

For a Tourist Visa on Arrival, the maximum stay is 60 days (a 30-day initial visa plus one 30-day extension). On a B211A Social Visa, up to 180 days total across extensions. On the E33G Remote Worker Visa, 12 months with multiple entries. After 12 months on the E33G visa, the visa is non-extendable, and the holder must leave Indonesia and reapply from outside Indonesia.

Can I get internet fast enough to work remotely in Bali?

Yes, in the major nomad hubs. Coworking spaces in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur consistently offer 50-100 Mbps connections with backup options. Residential internet is more variable, and older properties in less-developed areas may have slower or less reliable connections. For work requiring stable video calls and cloud uploads, coworking is the most reliable option. Mobile data from Telkomsel or XL Axiata provides a usable backup connection.

The best countries for digital nomads combine affordable living costs, reliable internet, a clear visa pathway, and easy access to banking. The current top options span Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. This guide ranks 11 countries across all four factors so you can find the right base for how you work and what you earn.

Choosing where to base yourself as a digital nomad is a financial decision as much as a lifestyle one. The difference between living in Lisbon and living in Tbilisi on the same income can be $1,000 to $1,500 per month. The difference between having a clear legal right to work remotely and operating in a grey area can be the difference between a productive year abroad and an unexpected deportation.

This guide ranks 11 countries across the factors that actually matter for working remotely: monthly cost of living, internet reliability, visa clarity, and banking access.

Here is a full list of 50 countries offering digital nomad visas.

How we ranked these countries

We considered four factors in selecting these countries.

• Monthly cost of living: Covers a realistic solo nomad budget, including accommodation (one-bedroom in a central neighbourhood), food (mix of local and international), coworking membership, local transport, and utilities. Health insurance and international flights are excluded because these are consistent across destinations.
• Internet reliability reflects average fixed-line and mobile internet speeds in major nomad hubs, based on aggregated data from Speedtest and Nomad List. A country can have excellent average speeds that mask poor reliability in specific areas; the ratings below reflect the experience in the most commonly used nomad cities.
• Visa situation: This considers how clearly and legally a nomad can work remotely in the country: visa-free stay duration, availability of a dedicated digital nomad or remote-work visa, and the complexity of maintaining legal status beyond the initial visa-free period.
• Banking access: This covers ATM availability, ease of accessing local currency, whether international cards work reliably, and how straightforward it is to open a local bank account if needed.

The 11 best countries for digital nomads

Country comparison at a glance

1. Germany

Germany is one of Europe’s strongest destinations for remote professionals who prioritise infrastructure, economic stability, and long-term residency options. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have large international communities, reliable public transport, and mature coworking ecosystems. Berlin, in particular, has become a major hub for freelancers, startups, designers, developers, and creative professionals from around the world.

Learn more about Germany’s digital nomad visa.

• Monthly cost: $2,200 to $3,500 for a comfortable lifestyle depending on the city. Berlin is generally cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt. Smaller cities can be significantly more affordable.
• Internet: Germany offers reliable high-speed internet in major cities, with strong coworking infrastructure and widespread mobile coverage. Most cafés, apartments, and coworking spaces support stable remote work setups.
• Visa situation: Germany offers a Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler) suitable for self-employed professionals working with international clients. No strict income requirement, but it should be enough to support you during your stay without relying on German social welfare.
• Banking: Germany has a highly developed banking system with widespread card acceptance and reliable digital banking. Opening a local account usually requires proof of address and residence registration (Anmeldung). Online banks like N26 are popular among expats and freelancers.
• Best for: Freelancers, tech workers, creatives, and remote professionals looking for strong infrastructure, long-term stability, and access to one of Europe’s largest economies.

2. Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks among the most popular digital nomad destinations in Europe, and for good reasons. Lisbon and Porto both offer excellent internet infrastructure, a large and established English-speaking expat community, and a cost of living that remains below most Western European capitals.

• Monthly cost: $2,000 to $2,500 for a comfortable lifestyle in Lisbon; Porto and smaller cities could be $1,500 to $2,000
• Internet: Connectivity is excellent with average download speeds above 100 Mbps in major cities. Coworking spaces are well-distributed and reliable.
• Visa situation: Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU nationals earning more than four times the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately €3,680/$3,850 USD per month as of 2026). EU citizens can live and work freely without a visa.
• Banking: ATMs are widely available. International cards work reliably. Opening a local Portuguese bank account requires a NIF (tax identification number), obtainable for non-residents, and a local address.
• Best for: European-timezone remote workers who want a high-quality urban environment with good infrastructure and an active nomad community

3. Spain

Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023, providing a legal pathway for non-EU remote workers to live in the country for up to five years. See our full guide to the Spain digital nomad visa.

• Monthly cost: $2,200 to $2,800 in Madrid or Barcelona; the Canary Islands, Valencia, and Málaga run $1,600 to $2,200
• Internet: Excellent. Spain has one of the highest fibre penetration rates in Europe.
• Visa situation: The Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of €2,849 (approximately $3,050), which is 200% of Spain's minimum wage. The DNV is valid for one year and renewable up to five years.
• Banking: Excellent ATM coverage. Local bank accounts require a NIE (foreigner identification number). International cards work well across the country.
• Best for: Non-EU remote workers who want legal status, an excellent quality of life, and access to the broader European travel zone

4. Georgia

Georgia is the most underrated digital nomad destination in this list. Tbilisi offers remarkably low living costs by European standards, a genuine and growing nomad community, and a visa situation that is among the most permissive in the world. The Remoteli programme provides a formal framework, though many nomads simply enter visa-free. See our Georgia Remoteli programme guide for details.

• Monthly cost: $800 to $1,200 in Tbilisi for a comfortable lifestyle including accommodation, food, and coworking
• Internet: Good and improving. Major coworking spaces offer reliable high-speed connections. Some residential areas still have limited fibre availability.
• Visa situation: Citizens of over 95 countries can stay visa-free in Georgia for up to 365 days. Georgia is not in the Schengen Area and does not count against Schengen limits. For the “Remotely from Georgia” programme, you must earn a minimum of $2,000 per month.
• Banking: ATMs are widely available in Tbilisi. International cards accepted in most places. Local bank accounts are relatively easy to open with a passport; some banks accept non-residents without residency documentation.
• Best for: Cost-conscious nomads who want a genuine city experience at a fraction of European prices, and who value long visa-free stays

5. Thailand

Thailand has hosted digital nomads longer than the concept had a name. Chiang Mai in particular has been a nomad hub for over a decade, with a mature coworking ecosystem, very low costs, and excellent food. Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) in 2024 to provide a formal long-stay option. See our Thailand DTX visa guide.

• Monthly cost: $1,000 to $1,500 in Chiang Mai; Bangkok runs $1,400 to $2,000
• Internet: Good in major cities and nomad hubs. Coworking spaces offer reliable connections. Residential internet can be variable.
• Visa situation: Most nationalities receive 30 to 60 days of visa-free entry. The DTV provides five-year multi-entry validity with 180-day stays. The income requirement is around $80,000 per year.
• Banking: ATMs are widely available. Foreign card withdrawal fees are high (typically 220 THB per withdrawal). Opening a local Thai bank account requires a long-stay visa and can be complex.
• Best for: Nomads in the Asia-Pacific timezone, those prioritising cost efficiency and quality of life, and long-term Southeast Asia basing

6. Mexico

Mexico offers proximity to US clients, a large and established nomad community particularly in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Mérida, and a cost of living that goes significantly further than the US. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa, but the Temporary Resident Visa provides a legal long-stay pathway. See our Mexico Temporary Resident Visa guide.

• Monthly cost: $1,200 to $1,800 in Mexico City; Oaxaca and Mérida run $900 to $1,400
• Internet: Good in major cities. Fibre is available in urban centres. Rural areas have variable coverage.
• Visa situation: US and most Western passport holders receive 180 days visa-free on arrival. The Temporary Resident Visa requires proof of income (approximately $2,600 per month from foreign sources) and is valid for one to four years.
• Banking: International cards are widely accepted in cities. ATM availability is good. Opening a local bank account requires a Temporal or Permanente residency card.
• Best for: US and Canadian nomads wanting minimal time zone friction with their clients, a large English-speaking expat community, and a rich cultural environment at reasonable cost

7. Colombia

Colombia has become one of Latin America's most popular nomad destinations, led by Medellín, which offers a year-round spring climate, a vibrant expat community, fast fibre internet in the El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods, and a cost of living well below most comparable cities.

• Monthly cost: $1,000 to $1,500 in Medellín; Bogotá runs slightly higher at $1,300 to $1,900
• Internet: Good in major cities. Fibre speeds in modern apartment buildings are reliable. Some older buildings have slower connections.
• Visa situation: Most Western passport holders receive 90 days visa-free, extendable to 180 days in a calendar year. Colombia's digital nomad visa allows stays of up to two years with proof of foreign income of at least three times Colombia's minimum wage (approximately $1,100 to $1,400 per month as at 2026). Here is how to apply for a Colombian digital nomad visa.
• Banking: ATMs are widely available. International cards accepted in cities, less so in smaller towns. Opening a local Colombian bank account as a foreigner has become easier for long-term visa holders.
• Best for: Budget-conscious nomads in the Americas’ timezone who want an urban environment with a strong nomad community and improving infrastructure

8. Indonesia (Bali)

Bali has been synonymous with digital nomad culture for a decade, and the ecosystem of coworking spaces, accommodation options, and nomad-friendly services is among the most developed in Southeast Asia. The visa situation is the most complex on this list. See our full guide to Bali digital nomad visa options.

• Monthly cost: $1,000 to $1,800 in Canggu or Seminyak; Ubud runs $800 to $1,400
• Internet: Variable. Coworking spaces in Canggu and Seminyak offer reliable 50-100 Mbps speeds. Residential connections are inconsistent.
• Visa situation: Tourist Visa on Arrival (30 days, extendable to 60) and Social Visa (up to 180 days) do not legally permit remote work. The E33G Remote Worker Visa ($60,000/year minimum income requirement) explicitly authorises remote work but has limited consulate availability and low uptake. Enforcement of work requirements for tourist visas increased significantly in 2025 and 2026.
• Banking: ATMs widely available. Foreign card fees of IDR 50,000 per withdrawal apply. Local bank accounts are difficult for short-stay visitors.
• Best for: Experienced nomads comfortable with Bali's infrastructure, who either qualify for and obtain the E33G visa or are making a considered, informed decision about their visa status

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers political stability, a well-developed tourism infrastructure, reliable internet in major centres, and a biodiversity-rich environment that gives nomads genuine outdoor access during downtime. The digital nomad visa provides a legal pathway for remote workers. See our Costa Rica digital nomad visa guide.

• Monthly cost: $1,500 to $2,200 in San José; beach towns like Tamarindo run $1,800 to $2,600
• Internet: Good in San José and major towns. Rural and coastal areas are improving but remain variable.
• Visa situation: Most Western passport holders receive 90 days visa-free. The digital nomad visa requires a minimum monthly income of $3,000 for the individual ($4,000 for a family) and provides a two-year residency.
• Banking: ATMs widely available. International cards accepted in most places. Local bank accounts require legal residency and considerable documentation.
• Best for: North America-timezone nomads who want natural environment access, political stability, and a well-trodden expat infrastructure

10. Malaysia

Malaysia offers the strongest combination of urban quality, infrastructure, and affordability on this list. Kuala Lumpur has genuine world-class amenities at Southeast Asian prices, reliable high-speed internet, and an English-friendly environment. The DE Rantau pass is one of the most structured nomad programmes in Asia. See our DE Rantau Pass guide for Malaysia.

• Monthly cost: $1,200 to $1,800 in Kuala Lumpur; $900 to $1,400 in Penang.
• Internet: Network coverage is very good. KL has excellent fibre coverage with speeds consistently above 100 Mbps in most residential and commercial areas.
• Visa situation: Most nationalities receive 90 days visa-free. The DE Rantau pass requires a minimum income of $24,000/year for tech professionals and $60,000/year for non-tech professionals, and is valid for 12 months, renewable once.
• Banking: Excellent ATM coverage. International cards accepted almost everywhere. Opening a local Malaysian bank account requires a long-stay visa and can be done with straightforward documentation.
• Best for: Asia-timezone nomads who want urban quality and infrastructure at mid-range costs, with a strong English-speaking environment

Cheapest countries for digital nomads

For nomads prioritising budget, three countries on this list are significantly lower than the others.

Georgia is the cheapest option by a meaningful margin. A comfortable monthly budget in Tbilisi including a one-bedroom apartment in a central neighbourhood ($400 to $600), food ($200 to $350 mixing local and international), coworking membership ($80 to $150), and local transport ($30 to $60) comes to $800 to $1,200 per month. The 365-day visa-free stay removes the need for visa applications or renewals.

Thailand (Chiang Mai) is consistently one of the most affordable bases in Southeast Asia. Monthly costs in Chiang Mai break down approximately as follows: accommodation ($350 to $600), food ($200 to $400, a mix of Thai street food and occasional restaurants), coworking ($60 to $120), and transport ($50 to $100). Total: $1,000-$1,500 per month. The DTV now provides a legal long-stay option.

Colombia (Medellín) offers European-quality infrastructure, a large nomad community, and a monthly budget of $1,000 to $1,500. A one-bedroom apartment in El Poblado or Laureles runs $500 to $800. Local food is excellent and inexpensive; eating out at local restaurants averages $3 to $7 per meal.

For context, the equivalent budget in Lisbon or Tallinn buys a materially lower standard of accommodation and significantly less discretionary spending.

Also read: A day in the life of a digital nomad

How to manage your money across multiple countries

Moving between countries means moving between currencies, and the friction of converting money adds up quickly. Withdrawing local currency from ATMs on a foreign card costs $3 to $8 in fees per withdrawal. Paying with a standard debit card for a local purchase triggers a 1.5% to 3% foreign transaction fee. Converting client income in USD to Thai baht, Mexican pesos, and Georgian lari at different points costs a percentage each time.

The most practical financial setup for nomads moving across multiple countries is to hold income in the original foreign currency, spend in the local currency from a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, and convert only when the balance in a given currency exceeds what you need.

Grey offers multi-currency accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR, with real foreign bank details. US clients pay via ACH to a real US routing number. UK clients pay via Faster Payments to a real UK sort code. European clients pay via SEPA. The income arrives in full, without correspondent bank deductions. Grey’s Visa card links to your foreign currency balances and is accepted wherever Visa is accepted, with no foreign transaction fee charged by Grey for purchases in the card's native currency.

When you arrive in Thailand, you withdraw THB from your baht balance if you have converted, or from your USD balance at the disclosed rate. When you move to Georgia, you spend in GEL based on the GEL equivalent of your USD income. When you invoice a UK client from Malaysia, the GBP arrives in your Grey GBP balance, and you convert to MYR when the rate suits you.

Open a Grey account before your next move. Hold USD, GBP and EUR in one place and spend locally in any country without fees.

Explore Grey for digital nomads for the full picture of how the account works across countries.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is easiest for digital nomads?

Georgia is the easiest in practical terms. Citizens of most countries receive a 365-day visa-free stay with no application, no income requirement, and no paperwork. Internet and infrastructure are adequate in Tbilisi, costs are among the lowest on this list, and there is no formal enforcement of working remotely on a tourist visa. Portugal and Spain both offer accessible dedicated nomad visas for those seeking legal clarity, but the income and documentation requirements add complexity.

Which country has the best digital nomad visa?

The Malaysia DE Rantau pass offers the best balance of accessibility (online application, no embassy visit required), duration (12 months, renewable once to 24 months), and income threshold ($24,000/year for tech professionals). Estonia's nomad visa provides access to the Schengen Area, which is valuable for travel flexibility. Portugal's D8 visa offers the longest potential duration (up to five years, renewable) for those who qualify.

Is it cheaper to live abroad as a digital nomad?

For most US and Western European residents, yes. The cheapest options on this list (Georgia, Chiang Mai, Medellín) offer comfortable living at $800 to $1,500 per month. A comparable lifestyle in New York, London, or Amsterdam costs $3,500 to $6,000 per month. Even mid-range nomad destinations like Malaysia and Mexico cost $1,200 to $1,800 per month, meaningfully below most major Western cities.

Can digital nomads live anywhere in the world?

Legally, no. Working remotely while on a tourist visa is technically not permitted in most countries, though enforcement varies significantly. Countries with dedicated digital nomad or remote work visas provide a clear legal framework. Countries without them leave nomads in a grey area where the practice is common but not formally authorised. Enforcement has increased in high-profile nomad destinations including Bali and Thailand since 2025.

What is the cost of living in Portugal for a digital nomad?

A realistic monthly budget in Lisbon runs $2,000 to $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment in a central neighbourhood, food, coworking membership, local transport, and utilities. Porto runs $1,700 to $2,200 for an equivalent lifestyle. Smaller cities and the Alentejo region are cheaper, typically $1,400 to $1,800 for a comparable standard of living.

With more countries now recognising the importance of digital nomads to the local economy and tourism, many have introduced a Visa category to attract more digital nomads. A digital nomad visa lets remote workers live legally in a foreign country while earning income from clients or employers elsewhere. More than 50 countries now offer them, with income requirements ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per month.

But not all digital nomad visas are equally attractive. Some require very high monthly income thresholds that exclude many freelancers. Others come with complicated tax obligations, expensive healthcare requirements, or difficult renewal processes. A country may look attractive on Instagram but become frustrating in practice if internet reliability is poor, banking is difficult, or the cost of living is higher than expected.

This guide covers 11 of the best countries offering digital nomad visas in 2026, including visa requirements, minimum income thresholds, costs, taxes, internet quality, banking access, and what daily life is actually like for remote workers living there.

What is a digital nomad visa and who qualifies?

A digital nomad visa is a specific immigration category created for remote workers, distinct from both a standard tourist visa and a traditional work permit. A tourist visa generally does not authorise any income-generating activity, even remote work for a foreign employer, while a traditional work permit ties you to local employment with a company based in that country. A digital nomad visa sits between the two: it explicitly authorises you to live in the country while earning income from sources outside it.

The eligibility requirements share a common pattern across most countries that offer one. You must demonstrate remote income, either as an employee of a company based outside the country or as a freelancer with clients based abroad. Most programmes set a minimum monthly or annual income threshold, ranging from roughly $1,500 to $3,500 per month depending on the country's cost of living. Valid health insurance covering your stay is almost universally required. A clean criminal record is standard. Some programmes also require proof of accommodation before or shortly after arrival.

The visas vary considerably in duration, from six months to multiple years, and in whether they offer a pathway toward permanent residency. Understanding these differences before choosing where to apply saves significant time and cost.

11 countries with digital nomad visas

In no specific order, here are 11 countries with great digital nomad visas and the peculiarity of each option.

1. Portugal

Visa name: D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Minimum monthly income: Approximately €3,680/$3,850 (four times the Portuguese minimum wage)

Application cost: Approximately €90 to €180 depending on consulate

Maximum stay: One year initially, renewable up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency

Standout benefit: Long-term residency pathway within the EU and Schengen Area access

Banking/financial note: Opening a Portuguese bank account requires a NIF (tax identification number), obtainable as a non-resident before arrival

2. Spain

Visa name: Digital Nomad Visa

Minimum monthly income: Approximately €2,849/$3,050 (200% of Spain's minimum wage)

Application cost: Approximately €75 to €100 plus consular fees

Maximum stay: One year initially, renewable up to five years total

Standout benefit: Access to the broader Schengen Area and a clear five-year residency runway

Banking/financial note: A NIE (foreigner identification number) is required for local bank accounts

3. Germany

Visa name: Freiberufler (Freelance) Visa

Minimum monthly income: No fixed minimum, but applicants typically show €750 to €1,000 per month in client income or contracts

Application cost: €75 consular fee, plus €100 for Chamber of Commerce business plan review if applicable

Maximum stay: Up to three years initially, renewable, with a path to permanent residency after five years

Standout benefit: No fixed income threshold and the ability to work in recognised liberal professions such as design, writing, and consulting

Banking/financial note: A German bank account is not required for the initial visa application but is advisable once relocated. See our full Germany digital nomad visa guide for the complete application process.

4. Costa Rica

Visa name: Rentista/Digital Nomad Visa

Minimum monthly income: $3,000 for an individual, $4,000 for a family

Application cost: Approximately $100 to $200 depending on processing route

Maximum stay: One year, renewable for an additional year

Standout benefit: Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income and import tax exemptions on personal equipment such as laptops

Banking/financial note: Local bank accounts require legal residency status and considerable documentation

5. Thailand

Visa name: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Minimum monthly income: No fixed monthly threshold, but applicants must show 500,000 THB (approximately $14,000) in available funds

Application cost: 10,000 THB (approximately $280)

Maximum stay: Five-year multi-entry validity, with 180-day stays per entry

Standout benefit: Long multi-entry validity without needing to reapply annually

Banking/financial note: Opening a local Thai bank account requires a long-stay visa and can involve a lengthy in-branch process

6. Estonia

Visa name: Digital Nomad Visa

Minimum monthly income: €4,500

Application cost: Approximately €80 to €100 depending on nationality

Maximum stay: Up to one year, non-renewable within Estonia

Standout benefit: World's first digital nomad visa, with full Schengen Area access during the stay

Banking/financial note: A local Estonian bank account requires residency status. See our full Estonia digital nomad visa guide for the complete process.

7. Malaysia

Visa name: DE Rantau Nomad Pass

Minimum monthly income: $2,000/month (tech and digital professionals); $5,000/month equivalent (non-tech professionals)

Application cost: Approximately RM 1,000 (around $252) for the principal applicant

Maximum stay: 12 months, renewable once for a total of 24 months

Standout benefit: No Malaysian tax on foreign-sourced income, and a fully online application process

Banking/financial note: Opening a local bank account requires the DE Rantau pass and is relatively straightforward once the pass is issued. See our Malaysia DE Rantau guide for full details.

8. Greece

Visa name: Digital Nomad Visa

Minimum monthly income: €3,500 after taxes (with an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% per child)

Application cost: €75 consular fee

Maximum stay: One year, renewable for an additional two years via residence permit

Standout benefit: A 50% income tax reduction for the first seven years for those who become Greek tax residents.

Banking/financial note: A Greek tax number (AFM) is needed for most financial activity, including opening a bank account.

9. Georgia

Visa name: Standard visa-free entry (effectively functioning as a digital nomad visa for most nationalities); D2 visa for those requiring formal status.

Minimum monthly income: Approximately $2,000 or $24,000 in savings (for the D2 visa route).

Application cost: Free for visa-free entry; approximately $20 for the D2 visa.

Maximum stay: Up to 365 days.

Standout benefit: No visa application required at all for most nationalities, and one of the lowest costs of living among nomad destinations.

Banking/financial note: Georgia is notably accessible for foreigners opening local bank accounts, often completed in a single visit. See our full Georgia Remoteli programme guide for the complete picture.

10. Indonesia (Bali)

Visa name: E33G Remote Worker Visa

Minimum monthly income: $60,000 per year minimum

Application cost: IDR 7,000,000 (approximately $430), plus agent fees typically bringing the total to $600 to $1,000

Maximum stay: 12 months, non-extendable

Standout benefit: The only Indonesian visa category that explicitly authorises remote work for a foreign employer

Banking/financial note: Foreign card withdrawal fees apply at most ATMs; local accounts are difficult to access for short-stay visitors. See our Bali digital nomad visa guide for the full picture, including why most nomads still use tourist or social visas in practice.

11. Mexico

Visa name: Temporary Resident Visa (no dedicated digital nomad category, but functions as the standard nomad pathway)

Minimum monthly income: Approximately $2,600 per month from foreign sources, or savings equivalent

Application cost: Approximately $50 to $60 for the visa, plus residency card fees on arrival

Maximum stay: One to four years depending on the specific permit issued

Standout benefit: 180 days visa-free for most Western passport holders before any visa is even needed, and close time-zone alignment with US clients

Banking/financial note: Local bank accounts require a Temporal or Permanente residency card. See our Mexico Temporary Resident Visa guide for full requirements.

How to manage your money as a digital nomad

Every digital nomad visa helps digital nomads come into the country, settle down, and work with international clients. One thing the visa doesn’t quite solve is how you manage your finances as a digital nomad in a new country. It is important to plan for how your income gets to you and how you spend it once you arrive a new country, because this is where most new nomads lose money without realising it.

Like most digital nomads, you might earn in USD, GBP, or EUR but have to spend in a different local currency. If that income is sent via international wire to a local bank account, it must go through one or more correspondent banks. Each of these banks will deduct a handling fee. Then your local receiving bank converts the USD, EUR, or GBP at their own conversion rate, often 1% to 3% below the mid-market rate. Most of the time, you cannot even be sure how much you are receiving at the end of the day. Then, when you spend locally using a standard foreign debit card, a foreign transaction fee of 1.5% to 3% applies to every single purchase.

The more cost-effective approach is to receive your income into a foreign-currency account, hold it there, and convert only when you need local currency, at a rate you can see before confirming. Grey offers multi-currency accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR, with real foreign bank details. A US client pays via ACH to a real US routing number. A UK client pays via Faster Payments to a real UK sort code. A European client or employer pays via SEPA. The full amount arrives without correspondent bank deductions.

For spending, the Grey virtual debit card connects directly to your foreign currency balances and is accepted wherever Visa is supported internationally, without adding a foreign transaction fee on top for purchases in the card’s native currency. Whether you are in Lisbon, Tbilisi, or Bangkok, the same account and card travel with you.

Explore Grey for digital nomads and see what an ordinary day managing money on the road actually looks like in a day in the life of a digital nomad.

How to choose the right digital nomad visa

The right visa for you depends more on four practical factors than on the country's reputation or scenery.

• Income level. If your monthly income sits between $1,500 and $2,500, Georgia (visa-free or D2), Malaysia's tech-tier DE Rantau, and Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa are accessible. If your income is above $3,000 per month, Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Greece, and Costa Rica all open up.
• Preferred region. Portugal, Spain, Germany, Estonia, and Greece keep you within or near the Schengen Area, enabling easy regional travel. Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia suit Asia-Pacific time zones. Costa Rica, Mexico, and Georgia each offer distinct regional advantages depending on which clients you serve.
• Tax implications. Georgia's 1% flat rate for registered Individual Entrepreneurs and Malaysia's exemption on foreign-sourced income are among the most favourable. Greece offers a meaningful tax reduction for new residents. Portugal and Spain have more standard tax exposure once you become a tax resident, which typically happens after 183 days.
• Length of stay needed. For a short-term trial of nomad life, Georgia's visa-free entry or Thailand's DTV with its flexible multi-entry structure requires the least commitment. For those planning multi-year relocation, Portugal's five-year renewable pathway and Germany's freelance permit, which counts toward permanent residency, are the strongest options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work remotely on a tourist visa?

In most countries, this exists in a legal grey area. Tourist visas are generally designed for leisure travel and do not explicitly authorise income-generating work, even for a foreign employer. Some countries tolerate this in practice; others, including Indonesia, have significantly increased enforcement in recent years. A dedicated digital nomad visa removes this ambiguity entirely and is the safer route for any extended stay.

How much income do I need for a digital nomad visa?

Thresholds vary from roughly $1,500 to $3,500 per month depending on the country and its cost of living. Lower-cost destinations like Georgia, Malaysia, and Mexico set lower or more flexible thresholds. Higher-cost European destinations like Spain, Portugal, and Greece require higher monthly income to reflect local living costs.

Do digital nomad visas lead to residency?

Some do, some do not. Portugal's D8 visa and Germany's Freiberufler permit both count toward permanent residency after a defined period. Estonia's and Indonesia's nomad visas are explicitly non-renewable within the country and do not lead toward residency. Confirm the specific residency pathway, or lack of one, before choosing a country if long-term settlement is your goal.

Which country has the easiest digital nomad visa to get?

Georgia is the most accessible in practical terms. Most nationalities require no visa application at all for a stay of up to 365 days. For those seeking a formal visa with minimal complexity, Germany's Freiberufler visa has no fixed minimum income threshold, making it more accessible to those with variable or lower freelance income than in countries with strict income floors.

Do I pay tax on a digital nomad visa?

This depends heavily on how long you stay and the specific country's tax residency rules. Most countries trigger tax residency after 183 days within a 12-month period. Below that threshold, most nomads remain taxed only in their home country. Above it, the destination country's tax rules apply, which vary significantly: Georgia and Malaysia offer notably favourable structures for foreign income, while Portugal and Spain apply more standard tax rates once residency is triggered. Always verify your specific position with a cross-border tax adviser.

If you are weighing up Claude’s subscription options, pricing is usually the first question. Claude plans range from free to $200 per month, and the right choice depends on how often you use it and whether usage limits are getting in the way of your work.

This guide covers every Claude plan and what each one costs in 2026. It also covers how to pay from Nigeria, India, Ghana, or any country where a local bank card may be declined or marked up on a USD-priced checkout. A Grey virtual card funded in USD handles that cleanly.

All pricing below is sourced from Anthropic’s official pricing page and plan documentation. Verify on claude.ai/pricing before subscribing, as prices are subject to change.

Claude plans at a glance

Pricing and features are subject to change at Anthropic’s discretion. Verify current pricing at claude.ai/pricing.

Free plan

The Free plan is the right starting point if you want to try Claude before committing to a paid subscription. You get access to Claude on web, iOS, Android, and desktop, with the ability to search the web, generate code, write and edit content, create files, and use memory across conversations. Usage is limited compared to paid plans and you may encounter limits during busy periods.

The Free plan does not include Claude Code, Cowork, or Research. Most users who rely on Claude for work find the usage limits restrictive within a few days of regular use.

Pro plan: $20 per month

Pro is the right plan for most people who use Claude regularly for work. It gives you meaningfully more capacity than the Free plan and includes the full Claude toolkit. Monthly billing is $20 per month. The annual subscription brings that down to $17 per month, billed as $200 upfront.

Pro includes everything in the Free plan plus:

• At least 5x more usage per session than the Free plan
• Claude Code for terminal-based coding workflows
• Claude Cowork and Claude Design
• Access to all available Claude models
• Access to Research
• Unlimited projects for organising conversations and documents
• Priority access during high-traffic periods
• Early access to new features

Usage limits reset on a session basis (every five hours), and there is also a weekly usage limit across all models. If you regularly hit Pro limits, the Max plan is the next step.

Only credit and debit cards are accepted for Pro plan payments. Apple Pay is available via the iOS App Store, but adds approximately 30 percent to the subscription cost due to Apple’s platform fee.

Max plan: $100 or $200 per month

Max is for users who regularly push through Pro’s limits and need substantially more capacity. If you find yourself waiting for usage to reset or cutting work short because of limits, Max is the upgrade to consider. It comes in two tiers:

Team plan: from $20 per seat per month

The Team plan is the right choice when you need Claude across a group, with centralised billing and admin controls. It requires a minimum of five members and a maximum of 150. It includes all Pro features plus SSO, role-based permissions, and a 200k context window for longer documents and conversations.

Team plans offer two seat types:

Seat typeMonthly priceAnnual priceUsageStandard$25/seat/month$20/seat/month1.25x more per session than ProPremium$125/seat/month$100/seat/month6.25x more per session than Pro

Teams can mix Standard and Premium seats, assigning Premium to power users who need higher capacity. Usage limits are per-member, not shared across the team.

Enterprise plan

Enterprise is the right fit for larger organisations that need security controls, compliance features, and predictable usage-based billing. Unlike Team, the seat fee covers access only and all usage is billed separately at API rates, with no per-seat usage limits. Admins can set spend caps at the organisation and user level to manage costs.

Enterprise adds audit logs, SCIM, custom data retention, compliance and analytics APIs, customer-managed encryption keys, and US-only inference. Self-serve Enterprise requires a minimum of 20 seats. Sales-assisted Enterprise requires a minimum of 50 seats.

Enterprise pricing is not listed publicly. Refer to Anthropic’s pricing page or contact their Sales team for current rates.

Claude API billing

API access is separate from the consumer subscription plans. API usage is billed via prepaid credits, not a monthly subscription. You purchase credits in advance, and they are drawn down as you make API calls. Failed requests are not charged.

Credits expire one year from the purchase date and are non-refundable. Auto-reload can be set to purchase additional credits automatically when your balance falls below a defined threshold. API billing accepts credit and debit cards only.

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How to pay for Claude from Nigeria, India, or Ghana

Claude’s payment page accepts major credit and debit cards in USD. For users in Nigeria, India, Ghana, and most emerging markets, two problems arise commonly:’

• Your local bank card is declined on a foreign USD checkout
• Your bank applies a foreign transaction fee of 2 to 5 percent on top of the listed price, making a $20 subscription cost $20.40 to $21

Pay with a Grey virtual card. Grey gives you a virtual card linked to your USD balance. When you subscribe to Claude Pro, Max, or any other USD-priced plan, the charge processes in USD from your Grey account. No foreign transaction markup from a Nigerian or Indian bank, no declined card on a foreign checkout. The card works on Anthropic’s payment page the same way a standard debit card does.

If you subscribe to the annual Pro plan, your Grey card handles the $200 charge in one transaction and renews automatically the following year.

Note: subscribing via the iOS App Store costs approximately 30 percent more due to Apple’s platform fee. The direct web subscription at claude.ai/upgrade is the most cost-effective route for most users.’

Frequently asked questions

How much does Claude Pro cost?

Claude Pro costs $20 per month on a monthly subscription, or $17 per month when billed annually ($200 per year). Prices are in USD and subject to change.

What is the difference between Claude Pro and Max?

Pro provides 5x more usage than the Free plan. Max 5x provides 5x more usage than Pro, and Max 20x provides 20x more usage than Pro. Max also includes higher output limits and earlier access to new features. Max is available at $100 per month (5x) or $200 per month (20x).

Can I pay for Claude with a Nigerian or Indian bank card?

Nigerian and Indian bank cards are sometimes declined on USD-priced foreign checkouts, and may apply a foreign transaction fee of 2 to 5 percent on successful transactions. A Grey virtual card funded in USD processes the payment without those issues.

Is there a free version of Claude?

Yes. Claude’s Free plan is available at claude.ai with no payment required. It includes access to Claude on web, iOS, Android, and desktop, with limited usage compared to paid plans.

Does Claude offer an annual discount?

Yes, for the Pro plan and Team Standard and Premium seats. Annual Pro billing costs $200 per year, equivalent to $17 per month, compared to $20 per month on a monthly basis. Max plans are currently available on monthly billing only.

Can I pay for Claude via Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Apple Pay is available when subscribing via the iOS App Store, but this route adds approximately 30 percent to the cost due to Apple’s platform fee. Anthropic’s direct web payment page accepts credit and debit cards only.

What is the cheapest way to subscribe to Claude from Nigeria?

Subscribe directly at claude.ai/upgrade on the annual Pro plan ($200 per year, $17 per month equivalent). Pay with a Grey virtual card funded in USD to avoid foreign transaction fees from a Nigerian bank card.